Have you noticed a drop in your sex drive, lower energy, or changes in your mood? Low testosterone can affect men at any age, and the symptoms are often more wide-ranging than many people realise. The good news is that if low testosterone is identified, there are safe and effective ways to improve your health and wellbeing.
Read on to learn what testosterone is, why it matters, the signs and causes of low testosterone, and the options available for treatment.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone and the primary male sex hormone. While women also produce testosterone, men typically have higher levels.
In men, testosterone is mainly made in the testicles, with smaller amounts from the adrenal glands. In women, it is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands in lower quantities.
Testosterone plays a vital role in:
- Development of male features (facial hair, deeper voice, muscle growth)
- Libido and sexual function
- Sperm production and fertility
- Bone strength and density
- Energy, mood, and mental focus
- Muscle mass and fat distribution
Maintaining balanced levels is important: both too little and too much testosterone can lead to health problems.
What Happens if Testosterone is Low?
Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30, levels gradually decline by about 1% per year. However, some men develop hypogonadism, where testosterone falls below the normal range and causes significant symptoms.
Common Symptoms in Men
- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- Erectile difficulties
- Infertility (reduced sperm production)
- Decrease in muscle mass and strength
- Increase in body fat
- Reduced facial or body hair
- Fatigue and low energy
- Mood changes: irritability, low motivation, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Reduced bone density, with higher risk of fractures
Low Testosterone in Women
Although less widely recognised, women can also experience symptoms of low testosterone, particularly around perimenopause and menopause. These may include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue
- Low mood or irritability
- Decreased bone density
In women, testosterone may sometimes be prescribed as part of a carefully monitored hormone therapy plan.
Think You Might Have Low Testosterone? Book an appointment with our specialist team today.
Causes of Low Testosterone
There are several reasons testosterone may fall below normal:
- Age-related decline (natural reduction with age)
- Primary hypogonadism (testicular problem): injury, infection, cancer treatment, genetic conditions
- Secondary hypogonadism (brain/pituitary problem): pituitary disorders, brain injury, certain medications
- Chronic illness: obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, sleep apnea
- Lifestyle Factors: poor sleep, excessive alcohol use, stress, long-term use of opiods or steroids
How is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Because many symptoms are nonspecific, proper testing is essential. Diagnosis usually involves:
- Morning blood tests (when testosterone is highest) on at least two separate occasions
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Assessment of underlying health issues
This ensures treatment is safe, appropriate and targeted.
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause, your overall health, and your goals.
Lifestyle & Natural Approaches
For some men, improving lifestyle factors can raise testosterone or reduce symptoms:
- Healthy diet with enough protein, healthy fats, vitamin D, and zinc
- Regular resistance and strength training
- Weight management to reduce excess body fat
- 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep and treatment of sleep apnea
- Stress reduction techniques
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
Medical Treatment
If symptoms are significant and testosterone is confirmed to be low, medical treatment may be recommended.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
- Forms: injections, gels, patches, or pellets
- Goal: restore testosterone to normal range and relieve symptoms
- Monitoring: regular blood tests for hormone levels, blood counts, and prostate health
- Fertility-preserving medications:
- In men who wish to father children, alternatives such as clomiphene citrate or hCG may be used to stimulate natural testosterone and sperm production. (These are off-label in many countries but commonly prescribed.)
- Hormone Therapy for Women:
- In select cases, testosterone may be prescribed to post-menopausal women experiencing low libido. This is done under specialist supervision.
Risks and Monitoring
TRT is safe for many men when properly prescribed and monitored. However, potential risks include:
- Increased red blood cell count (erythrocytosis)
- Suppression of sperm production and fertility
- Acne or oily skin
- Fluid retention
- Prostate monitoring needs (especially in older men)
- Uncertainty about long-term cardiovascular risk (research is ongoing)
For this reason – ongoing monitoring with a healthcare provider is essential.
Key Takeaway
Low testosterone can impact energy, mood, sexual health, and long-term wellbeing – but it is a treatable condition. If you are experiencing symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. With accurate testing and the right treatment plan – whether through lifestyle changes, medical therapy, or both – you can restore balance and feel like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Low Testosterone
Can low testosterone be reversed naturally?
In some cases, yes. If low testosterone is related to lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor sleep, stress, or certain medications, improving these areas may help raise levels. Exercise (especially resistance training), weight loss, and good sleep can have a significant positive impact. However, if the cause is medical (such as testicular or pituitary disease), lifestyle changes alone may not be enough, and medical treatment may be required.
Does testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) cause prostate cancer?
Current research does not show that TRT causes prostate cancer. However, because testosterone can stimulate growth of existing prostate tissue, men on TRT need regular monitoring of prostate health (usually with PSA blood tests and physical exams). TRT is generally avoided in men with active or suspected prostate cancer unless advised by a specialist.
Will TRT affect my fertility?
Yes, TRT can reduce or completely stop sperm production, making it difficult to conceive while on treatment. For men wishing to preserve fertility, alternatives such as clomiphene citrate or hCG may be considered instead of TRT.
How long does it take to feel better on TRT?
Many men notice improvements in energy, mood, and libido within a few weeks. However, changes in muscle mass, fat distribution, and bone density usually take several months. Your healthcare provider will monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
What are the risks of untreated low testosterone?
If left untreated, low testosterone can contribute to:
- Reduced quality of life (low libido, fatigue, mood changes)
- Decreased bone density and risk of fractures
- Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat
- Fertility problems
It may also worsen overall health when linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Is TRT a lifelong treatment?
Not always. Some men need ongoing TRT, while others may only need temporary support (for example, after certain medical treatments). The decision depends on the underlying cause, response to therapy, and individual health goals. This should always be reviewed with your doctor.
Personalised Healthcare at Roxboro Medical Centre
Your healthcare requirements are as unique as you are and we are here to help you with every aspect of your health and wellbeing. Here at Roxboro Medical Centre, our experienced nurses and doctors in Limerick will take the time to understand your unique requirements and find the very best solutions for your situation. Whether you are looking for a health assessment, travel healthcare or support with your sexual health, we offer discreet and professional health advice and guidance to support you.
Our expert team provides patient focused care, and you can book an appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday by calling us or by emailing our team. Our medical centre is conveniently located just a short walk from Limerick City centre and we specialise in children’s health, men’s health, women’s health and sports medicine.
We offer comprehensive care for patients with asthma, coronary heart disease and diabetes, as well as throughout pregnancy, and we also offer Shockwave Therapy and Acupuncture, which can be very effective for pain relief and nervous system or hormonal disorders. You can book an initial consultation with one of our experienced GPs or contact us to discuss the options we offer.
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